A few days had passed since Hishi Amazon's victory in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup. Finally, Minamisaka, Twin Turbo, and Tokai Teio made their long-awaited return to Japan. The news of the two girls conquering the Breeders' Cup had dominated the headlines; naturally, a massive crowd awaited them at the airport, turning the arrival terminal into a sea of fanfare.
As the press swarmed Turbo and Teio, the questions were inevitable: What's next? What are your plans for the remainder of the season?
With a casualness that defied the weight of their words, the two revealed a truth they had kept quiet during their time in America.
"Turbo's next race? The Legend Race!" Turbo chirped. "After that, I think I'll transfer to the Trophy League."
"Same for me," Teio added with a bright smile. "I'm planning to enter the Legend Race's middle-distance division alongside Turbo. Then, I'll likely make the transfer as well."
The URA officials present must have felt their hearts skip a beat. While the news of two superstars transferring to the Dream Trophy League was a relief for the sport's longevity, they had been banking on the pair headlining the Arima Kinen. When a reporter pressed them on the year-end Grand Prix, the two didn't budge.
"Because if I run in the Arima, I can't run in the Legend Race," Turbo stated flatly. "It's not like I don't want to race Brian or Laurel, but Turbo wants a piece of Rampage."
"I feel the same," Teio said. "This is our last chance. I'd appreciate it if no one got in our way."
In that moment, a sheer, overwhelming pressure—an aura—radiated from the Prince. It was a terrifying majesty, impossible to reconcile with her petite, charming appearance. The reporter who had been trying to haggle for an Arima appearance dropped his camera, his knees buckling.
The crowd fell into a stunned silence, as if the Emperor himself had suddenly appeared in their midst. Amidst the tension, Turbo remained perfectly composed, smiling sunnily. Behind them, Minamisaka simply shrugged his shoulders, while Speed Symboli watched on with a graceful, knowing chuckle.
"Good grief... I guess I have no choice but to write those letters of recommendation," Rampage sighed.
He was buried in paperwork. Since he still held several recommendation slots this year, he could technically nominate a few runners himself. Then again, given Teio's display at the airport, he suspected "Sue-chan" might beat him to it.
Rampage felt a weight lift from his shoulders. Finally, his stint as the acting trainer for Team Canopus was coming to an end.
"So, 'Emperor,'" Rampage said, leaning back in his chair in the Student Council room. "How does it feel to watch Teio conquer the BC Turf?"
Rudolf let out a soft, low laugh. "Heh... do you truly think I could be anything but elated?"
"Normally, I'd tell you to wipe that smug grin off your face," Ramonu interjected from across the room, "but since you're actually getting your work done for once, I'll let it slide."
The Emperor was in a state of pure bliss, her pride in her favorite student overflowing. Ramonu had her own opinions on the matter, but since Rudolf was actually being productive for a change, she decided to show mercy.
"The Legend Race is shaping up to be quite a spectacle," Rudolf mused. "I expected to race against you, Rampage, but to have Teio on the track as well... I can face this challenge with no lingering regrets."
"Yeah, well, you've both been crushing the qualifiers, so I can't exactly complain," Rampage muttered. "But man, this year is going to be a total disaster..."
"Oh? Is the prospect of racing against me really that distasteful to you, Rampage?" Ramonu asked, her eyes narrowing playfully.
"It's not that, Senpai. It's just... the number of international students coming over for this is getting out of hand."
What was meant to be a domestic event had somehow ballooned into a global phenomenon. Rampage had lost count of how many times he'd questioned if this was truly what he had envisioned for the Finals and the Legend Race. Uranus had even mentioned that some foreign Umamusume were using heavy-handed negotiations just to force the URA's hand.
"Haaaah... this is going to be such a pain later. At this rate, they're gonna rename the Japan Cup to the 'Japan World Cup.' Actually, it'd be easier to just start a new race at that point."
"I find the idea rather exhilarating," Rudolf said.
"As do I," Ramonu agreed.
"Must be nice for you guys, just having to run," Rampage grumbled. "The founder is drowning in work over here."
Both the Finals and the Legend Race were facing an onslaught of international challengers. To his surprise, the Japanese contingent was holding their own, defending their slots with unexpected ferocity. They had lost some ground, but that was just the nature of the sport—you win it back on the turf.
He had expected the first year to be a clash between the Local and Central circuits. Who could have predicted it would turn into a three-way world war?
"And of course, she had to go and sign up..." Rampage looked down at the entry sheet for the 2400m Legend Race. Among the names was a ghost from his past racing days.
Silverstone. The European speedster who had once traded strides with Turbo and Teio.
"Silverstone?" Rudolf noted. "I heard she retired after her G1 run in Hong Kong to enter the world of four-wheel racing."
"Her parents are in that industry," Rampage explained. "Her entire fan club is basically the pit crew from her parents' team."
"I heard she even started her own sports club," Ramonu added.
"Yeah. And now she's claiming she's on a 'short-term study abroad' trip to learn Japanese management and language skills—all just so she can crash the Legend Race."
It was becoming a mess. He wasn't just dealing with the likes of Sunday Silence anymore. Rampage sighed, but he couldn't ignore the familiar thrum in his veins. No matter how much he complained, he was still an Umamusume at heart.
"Alright, that's enough of that. Ramonu-senpai? Sorry to ask, but could you handle the rest of these documents?"
He slid the final stack toward her. If Rudolf had asked, she would have refused instantly. But Ramonu paused, looking Rampage in the eye.
"Fine," she said softly. "On one condition—make sure you're in peak condition."
"Love ya, Senpai," Rampage grinned, standing up and heading for the door.
Ramonu watched him leave, picking up her pen to finish the final seals.
"You gave in quite easily," Rudolf observed.
"He asked. A sister should look after her younger sibling," Ramonu replied, her gaze lingering on the door. "Besides... it's been a long time since I've seen his eyes burn like that."
Outside, Rampage pulled out his phone.
"Yo, Minami-chan. You got a sec?"
"Yes, I'm free," Minamisaka's voice came through. "I've just dropped Turbo and Teio off at the Mejiro retreat. I'm heading back to the Academy now. Did something happen?"
"Listen, sorry to spring this on you, but... could you put a training menu together for me? Specifically for the Legend Race."
There was a brief pause on the other end. "Understood. However, you must allow me to use that same menu for Turbo."
"Deal. Do whatever you want. I'm not running or hiding anymore. If Turbo wants to sharpen herself against me, tell her to bring it... I'm starting to feel like giving her a real fight."
"Understood."
Rampage tucked the phone away. It was time to go back to being Minamisaka's horse.
If he was going to do this, he was going to surpass his prime. He was going to reach a level he had never seen before.
-------------------------
If you enjoy this story, you can read 70+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
Webnovel will keep getting 1 new chapter every day but Patreon readers can stay far ahead.
Maybe it's not a big deal now… maybe it will be later.
[email protected]/Greyhounds
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"